First published Oct 27, 2023
Systemic enzymes, also known as proteolytic enzymes, are a class of enzymes that help break down protein into smaller components like amino acid chains. These enzymes play a role in digestion, immune response, and inflammation regulation.
The most well-known proteolytic enzyme benefits include digestive support and the ability to reduce inflammation, which may help with conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis pain, and muscle soreness. However, research is still evolving, and while enzymes may offer supportive effects, findings on their full clinical impact remain mixed.
In this article, we explore the benefits of enzymes, how systemic enzymes work, and when to use them safely.
What Are Systemic Enzymes?
So, what are systemic enzymes, exactly, and what are the systemic enzyme benefits? Systemic enzymes are a type of dietary supplement designed to help the human body function properly. When taken orally, proteolytic enzymes (such as bromelain, papain, and protease) can help prevent, control, and reduce some symptoms of aging and various diseases.1
Proteolytic Enzymes Benefits
The benefits of proteolytic enzymes are linked to their ability to support the body’s natural repair processes. These important enzymes include bromelain, papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, all of which contribute to enzyme activity in breaking down proteins.
The key proteolytic enzymes benefits include:
- Reducing inflammation: These enzymes have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Supporting digestion: As a digestive enzyme, they help break down protein and improve nutrient absorption
- Promoting wound healing: Certain enzymes, including proteolytic enzyme bromelain, are associated with faster wound healing
- Reducing muscle soreness: Studies suggest proteolytic enzymes help decrease post-exercise muscle soreness
These enzyme benefits are why proteolytic enzyme supplements are commonly used in enzyme therapy for cancer.
Systemic Enzyme vs Digestive Enzyme: When and How to Take Them
A systemic enzyme works differently from a digestive enzyme, even though both are forms of proteolytic enzymes.
- Digestive enzyme: Taken with meals to help enzymes help break down food, especially protein
- Systemic enzymes: Taken on an empty stomach so they can enter the bloodstream and support inflammation, circulation, and immune response
When to take them:
- Take systemic enzymes at least 30–60 minutes before meals or 2 hours after eating
- Take digestive enzyme supplements with meals
This distinction is important when using a proteolytic enzyme combination for specific health goals.
How Systemic Enzymes Fight Inflammation
The role of proteolytic enzymes in regulating inflammation is among their most-studied functions. Enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin help regulate immune responses and may reduce swelling and tissue damage.
Research suggests that proteolytic enzymes may help:
- Reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis pain
- Support recovery in patients with arthritis
- Improve circulation by breaking down excess protein debris
The effect of proteolytic enzymes is especially relevant in chronic inflammatory conditions, where ongoing inflammation can impact overall health.
Systemic Enzymes and Pancreatic Insufficiency
Digestive enzymes, which are naturally produced by the pancreas, play a central role in turning food into energy. When someone has a condition that causes a reduced output of these digestive enzymes, it’s referred to as pancreatic insufficiency. One of the leading causes of pancreatic insufficiency is cystic fibrosis.
The condition occurs when harmful scar tissue forms in the pancreas and interferes with pancreatic function. Cystic fibrosis can be incredibly painful and lead to weight loss or even malnutrition in patients who can no longer efficiently digest food.
Systemic enzyme therapy can be used to treat pancreatic insufficiency by administering dietary supplements such as bromelain, papain, and other enzymes. When taken with meals, these enzymes help stimulate the body’s natural digestive processes.
Systemic Enzymes Promote Wound Healing
Systemic enzymes have been clinically proven to accelerate wound healing. Animal studies found that bromelain and papain accelerate wound healing when applied topically.3
Another study of Bromelain found that a 5-milligram oral dose accelerated healing in people recovering from cosmetic surgery. A similar trial showed that the enzyme serrapeptase accelerated healing in patients recovering from dental surgery.4
Proteolytic enzymes may also help reduce exercise-related muscle soreness. Several placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that post-workout muscle soreness can be greatly reduced with bromelain and curcumin.
Systemic Enzymes Therapy Can Help Fight Cancer
Many cancers have an immunosuppressive effect that reduces the body’s natural disease-fighting mechanisms. Systemic enzyme supplements have been shown to counteract the immunosuppressive effects of certain types of cancers. Some laboratory studies suggest that proteolytic enzymes may influence cancer cells, but these findings are early-stage and have not been confirmed in large human studies.
While proteolytic enzymes in the treatment of cancer are being explored, they are best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not as a standalone therapy.
How to Increase Systemic Enzymes: Natural Sources vs. Supplements
Natural digestive enzymes can be obtained from certain foods, including fruits like pineapple, papaya, mango, and kiwifruit, as well as fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.5 These enzymes can help improve digestion by breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
However, it can be challenging to consume these foods in sufficient quantities to experience their full benefits, so supplementation may be necessary for targeted therapeutic effects. It’s important to note that while some foods are rich in proteolytic enzymes, there is not enough evidence to suggest that enzyme-rich foods help digestion.
That is why systemic enzymes, which can go beyond the digestive tract and into the bloodstream, can be taken as supplements between meals on an empty stomach. However, note that it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any supplement regimen.
Who Should Use or Avoid Proteolytic Enzymes (Safety and Efficacy)
While proteolytic enzymes are essential for many biological processes, they are not suitable for everyone.
Use with caution if you:
- Take blood thinners (some enzymes like bromelain may increase bleeding risk)
- Are preparing for surgery (stop use at least 2 weeks prior)
- Have allergies to sources like papaya and pineapple
- Are taking medications that may interact with enzyme therapy
Important note on supplements:
Many dietary supplements containing proteolytic enzymes are not regulated by the FDA, so safety and efficacy can vary depending on product quality.
Always consult a healthcare provider before taking proteolytic supplements.
FAQ
Do systemic enzymes thin blood?
Yes, some proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain, may have mild blood-thinning effects.
How long do proteolytic enzymes take to work?
The effects vary, but some people notice changes in digestion or inflammation within a few days to weeks.
Can I take them with medications?
It depends. Taking proteolytic enzymes with medications may cause interactions, so medical guidance is recommended.
Learn More About Proteolytic Enzymes
The best way to avoid adverse effects when taking proteolytic enzymes is to consult with a specialist at Immunity Therapy Center who will design a personalized proteolytic enzyme supplement plan to meet your unique needs. Our team will work with you to determine which decisions will benefit you most with minimal side effects.
At Immunity Therapy Center, we take the wellness of our patients very seriously, and we want to help you achieve the best treatment outcomes. Contact us today to learn more about how systemic enzymes assist with your overall health goals and other alternative therapies you can consider to effectively address your cancer.
Written By: Dr. Pablo Orozco
Dr. Pablo Orozco is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Orozco has been a treating physician at the Immunity Therapy Center for more than 3 years providing daily on site patient care. He works with patients on a daily basis and guides them through the treatment process. Dr. Orozco’s passion for Alternative Cancer Treatments along with his commitment to patient care is key to insure that our patients have the best experience and results possible.
Sources:
- Ann Arbor. What Are Systemic Enzymes and What Do They Do?. https://annarborholistichealth.com/2015-4-29-what-are-systemic-enzymes-and-what-do-they-do/
- Healthline. Proteolytic Enzymes: How They Work, Benefits and Sources. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/proteolytic-enzymes
- Healthline. Understanding Digestive Enzymes: Why Are They Important?. https://www.healthline.com/health/why-are-enzymes-important
- NCBI. BounceBack™ capsules for reduction of DOMS after eccentric exercise: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2698827/
- Healthline. 12 Foods That Contain Natural Digestive Enzymes. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/natural-digestive-enzymes
- Hopkinsmedicine.org. Digestive Enzymes and Digestive Enzyme Supplements. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements
- Takecareof.com. When to Take Digestive Enzymes: A Simple Guide. https://www.takecareof.com/articles/when-to-take-digestive-enzymes-a-simple-guide
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